Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears: 5 Ideal Three-Round 2017 Draft Scenarios

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal against Oklahoma Sooners at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears crashed hard to earth in week two and already look like they’re on their way to another tough season. That means draft talk starts early.

Here is an early series of possible scenarios that could play out for them next April in Philadelphia for the 2017 NFL draft. They could be in line for some big names.

Deshaun Watson

QB, Clemson

Watching Jay Cutler has been difficult this year. It seems he has regressed in a big way from the player he was a year ago. The efficiency and calm under pressure is gone. Losing Adam Gase seems to have hit him hard, and now he has injured the thumb on his throwing hand again. With him turning 34 in 2017, it looks like his time in Chicago is up. Deshaun Watson is one of the biggest playmakers at quarterback in college football. A terrific athlete with poise, leadership and just a knack for knowing how to win.2

Adam Bisnowaty

OT, Pitt

There can be no doubt that offensive tackle has jumped to the top of the list for Bears draft priorities. Charles Leno Jr. has made no progress at left tackle since taking over last season and free agent Bobby Massie looks even worse on the right side. They’ve been routinely whipped in pass protection, which explains why Cutler has struggled to a degree. Adam Bisnowaty has had a solid college career at Pitt, showcasing the ability to run and pass block with equal effectiveness. He’s got size and good feet. He’d be the first left tackle the Bears have chosen from Pitt since Jimbo Covert back in 1983.3

Devonte Fields

OLB, Louisville

Drafting Leonard Floyd is proving to be the right decision more and more each day. Already Pernell McPhee is sidelined until late October due to off-season knee surgery. Fellow veteran Lamarr Houston has since gone on injured reserve with his second torn ACL in three years. This leaves the stockpile of pass rushers way too thin. Chicago must address that at some point. Devonte Fields has 1st round talent with tremendous athleticism, explosion off the edge and length. Some just aren’t sure about his maturity or commitment to the game. Next: Rush

Sep 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Myles Garrett

OLB, Texas A&M

Ryan Pace is all about getting the best players available. There is no question that pass rusher Myles Garrett will be arguably the top prospect in the 2017 draft. He’s a special player who can do almost anything he wants on the field. He’s big, strong, fast, agile and knows how to get to the quarterback. He can fit in any scheme. With Lamarr Houston all but done after his knee injury and Pernell McPhee an unknown, it makes perfect sense for the Bears to seek pairing him with Leonard Floyd.2

Luke Falk

QB, Washington State

Spread offense quarterbacks really scare the daylights out of defenses but also pro football teams. Their lack of knowledge of intricate formations and pro-style playbooks makes them instant developmental prospects due to the learning curve. Still many of them have enough talent to make it worth the risk. Luke Falk is one of them. The Washington State passer has size and a live arm. He knows how to get the ball out fast and delivers with accuracy, even under pressure. Put him in an offense that fits his strengths and he can be deadly.3

Mason Cole

OT, Michigan

Blocking on the edge is going to demand all the attention for the Bears brass in 2017 since it’s far and away their biggest problem. Mason Cole doesn’t get a ton of headlines because of many high profile teammates at Michigan, but he’s quietly because one of their most dependable players. After showing movement skills and toughness at tackle, the Wolverines have shifted him to center. That kind of versatility is rare. Given he’s working under Jim Harbaugh, it’s safe to say he’s well-coached too.Next: Protect

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) reacts against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Robinson

OT, Alabama

Want to fix the biggest problem on the roster? Sometimes the easiest course of action is taking the best player in the draft at that position. Boom. Solved. That what the Bears would be doing, or trying to do were they to select Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson. Most agree he’s the consensus best tackle in the draft by a wide margin. He’s a big and powerful blocker who enforces in the run game but has enough movement skill to handle pass rushers on an island. He does have off-the-field baggage though, so there’s risk involved.2

Bucky Hodges

TE, Virginia Tech

Tight end is definitely the other position on offense that is grossly lacking in overall talent. The Bears tried to find upgrades for it after traded Martellus Bennett. They failed and have been forced to move ahead with Zach Miller. This can’t continue if they want the offense to excel. Bucky Hodges is still raw in some areas but the Virginia Tech product is becoming a force in the passing game. Another of those basketball types who can run with speed and uses his 6’6″ frame to maximum advantage in jump ball situations.3

Seth Russell

QB, Baylor

Baylor quarterbacks have sort of stigma surrounding them these days. The reason being they come from a spread offense, put up lots of numbers but fall flat the moment they get to the NFL. Robert Griffin III is the most well-known of that group. So any team that drafts Seth Russell is taking a chance. His numbers are outstanding. He has size, mobility and spins a nice ball with velocity. The question is can he absorb a pro offense and run it at a high level? A 3rd round pick is worth the gamble to find out.Next: Pound the Rock

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Leonard Fournette

RB, LSU

Assuming John Fox is still head coach of the team going into 2017, one would be remiss if they didn’t bring up the fact of how much he loves to run the football. He has no qualms about taking running backs early in the draft. He did it twice during his time in Carolina. Both became Pro Bowlers. So it’s safe to say he’d jump at the chance for a beast like Leonard Fournette. A true three-down back with the total package of size, strength, speed, and vision. This is the kind of rare talent that defenses would have to game plan for.2

Mason Rudolph

QB, Oklahoma State

Often the quarterbacks that stick out are the ones who just seem to have a feel for the game. Mason Rudolph gives off such an impression. Not only is he a healthy 6’5″ with a solid arm, but watching the tape reveals a player with a calm feel inside the pocket. He keeps his eyes down the field even under pressure and has the strength to wiggle out of tackles. His accuracy and ball placement are positive as well. There are some mechanical things for him to work on, but there is more than enough for any team to work with.3

Kylie Fitts

OLB, Utah

Nobody is going to know about Kylie Fitts come draft time. Or at least not enough people. Part of that is because he had to replace school sensation Nate Orchard and was doing so very well. Then he got hurt. Now he’s lost for the season. That will likely drop him in the draft, but this 6’4″ kid has a solid build with strength and enough athleticism to generate consistent pressure off the edge. It really looked like he was coming into his own prior to the injury. Another young linebacker for Fangio to mold.Next: Flavor

November 28, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) throws before playing against the Stanford Cardinal during the at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

DeShone Kizer

QB, Notre Dame

This is the hot name in scouting circles right now, and with good reason. Deshone Kizer has every look of the real deal. A tall quarterback with an athletic build. He can fire the ball down the field with accuracy but is even more dangerous as a runner. Very much built in the Colin Kaepernick mode but without the baggage. As he gains experience under Brian Kelly he’s only going to get better. He hasn’t even started 20 career games yet. For him to be as effective as he is already? That’s scary to think about.2

Julie'n Davenport

OT, Bucknell

One of those smaller school hidden gems that has the draft community buzzing already like a Khalil Mack or Carson Wentz. Bucknell left tackle Julie’n Davenport looks like the real deal. At 6’7″, 315 lbs he has prototypical build for an NFL tackle. Initial reports are he has 35-inch arms, which is incredible. He also sports quick, steady footwork courtesy of his background in basketball. Everything about him says franchise pass protector. If the Bears got him early in the 2nd round, that would be a steal.3

Cameron Sutton

CB, Tennessee

Are the Bears set at cornerback? Most would say not even close at this point. Even as youngsters Jacoby Glenn and Deiondre Hall continue to play well, it’s safe to say this defense is absent of a potential shutdown corner. Cameron Sutton has the capacity to be that kind of player. Tough, physical and athletic enough to handle himself on an island in press coverage. If not for a recent injury that has ended his season, he would’ve been a threat to crack the 1st round. Getting him this late is great value.